“The Power of Storytelling” is a contemplative documentary about the impacts of storytelling with a humanitarian and environmental focus. The film examines the myriad of ways in which stories impact our lives—how stories connect, motivate, and educate. And how the types of stories we tell about each other and about the natural world shape our relationships and actions, thus creating very tangible impacts that we should be more mindful of.
This upcoming film highlights the many ways in which the hearing and telling of stories profoundly shape our lives and can be called upon to bring us closer together.
• Stories entertain and inspire joy, creativity, and curiosity
• Stories we hear (particularly as children) influence our values and psychologies
• Listening to the stories of others fosters empathy and connection and can expand our minds
• Telling our own stories is therapeutic, empowering, and fun
• Stories provide education and context for future generations
• History is made up of stories that happened to real people. And stories are used to share that history
• Stories can be dangerous when used as controlling propaganda for selfish or cruel ends
• Stories we hear shape our often differing perceptions of current events
• Once they gather enough momentum stories alter the social and physical environments in which we live.
• Stories are healing; a way to reflect, inspire, re-evaluate, comfort, and motivate
Featured Storytellers
From their personal experience, the individuals featured in this documentary have a lot to share about the art and influence of storytelling. Click on their names to learn more.
Lois Lowry —Newbery Award-winning Author of “The Giver” and “Number the Stars”
Antonio Rocha —Internationally acclaimed Mime and Storyteller
Anne Hillerman —New York Times Bestselling Author and retired Journalist
Odds Bodkin —Master Bardic Storyteller, Author, Musician, and Educator
Lynnette Elizabeth Johnson —Spoken Word Performing Artist, competitive slam Poet, Author
Linda Baker —Ute Historian, Beading Artist, and Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council member
Mark Todd —Poet, Author, retired Journalist & University English Professor
Michael Ackerman —Outdoor Educator and Guide, Avalanche Safety Expert
Hans Carlson —Author, Director of the Blue Hill Heritage Trust, and retired University Professor
Galen Hecht — Environmental Advocate for rivers and watersheds, Poet, endurance Trail Runner
Producer/Director
Joanna Weaver is a documentary filmmaker who strives to remind us of our connection and responsibility to each other and the Earth. She works as an editor and producer on independent productions, and as a member of Sunlight Media Collective, an Indigenous-led group focused on intersecting issues of Wabanaki sovereignty and environmental justice.
Animator
Alice O’Brien is an artist and animator whose skills range from line-drawn 2D animation and stop motion to illustration in a wide variety of styles and mediums. They graduated in the summer of 2022 from UW Stout, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Entertainment Design Animation and are always on the hunt for creative inspiration.
